Main Idea Graphic Organizer

Sometimes the Main Idea of a passage is explicitly stated and sometimes it is inferred. Graphic organizers can help students break down the passage and then determine the important details that lead to the Main Idea.
In this lesson, students will use the Main Idea Chart to find supporting details in the passage and then write their conclusion from them.

There are a variety of templates from Holt McDougal Online - Holt Interactive Graphic Organizers. These are fillable pdf forms that can be filled out digitally or printed and completed with pen or pencil.

Classroom Computer Setup

• Create a shortcut to Main Idea Chart on student computers or use Symbaloo 

• Set up Printer or File Save location

Introduce the Activity

1. Read aloud a passage from one of the class read alouds. Ask students to work in pairs or small groups to discuss and identify one detail from the passage.
2. Display the fillable graphic organizer on the board and use the student ideas to complete the Supporting Detail boxes.
3. Model writing the Main Idea in front of the class with a "think aloud" or ask students to come up with their own main idea to share with the class and explain how the details support their statement.
4. Discuss how to save, print or turn in the completed file.

Student Activity

1. Students will use their own book or a selection from a reader assigned by the teacher to complete a digital copy of the Main Idea Chart.
2. The file may be saved to a general location, printed or turned in using LanSchool or an LMS assignment.

Extension Idea

1. Select a news story from a site such as this one from NEWSELA. Copy text from a selection - but leave out the subtitle. 
2. Print or save the selection as an image and put in a location the students can access. Click the image below to see an example.
   
3. Have students complete the graphic organizer
4. Compare students' main ideas with the subtitle from the article

If you have some worksheets such as this one from K12 Reader that include a passage, cut off the quiz part and use the worksheet answer to compare student responses.